Southern Collard Greens Recipe
Description:
This soul-warming recipe for Southern Collard Greens brings out the rich flavors of collard greens, infusing them with a hearty blend of onions, smoked pork, and tangy vinegar. With just the right balance of seasonings and a slow simmering process, this dish transforms even canned or frozen greens into a fresh-tasting delight. Inspired by the cherished recipes of two grandmothers, this dish is a testament to Southern cooking tradition and comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Onion |
| 1 | Vinegar |
| 1/4 | Ham hocks |
| – | Water |
| 3 | Smoked pork product (e.g., ham, bacon) |
| 2 | Hot pepper (chopped) |
| 1/4 | Salt (teaspoon) |
| 1/4 | Pepper (teaspoon) |
| – | Oil (1 teaspoon) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 45.5
- Fat Content: 0.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 18.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 9.1g
- Fiber Content: 3.4g
- Sugar Content: 2.6g
- Protein Content: 2.7g
Cooking Time:
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 2 hours
- Total: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Instructions:
-
Prepare Ingredients: Begin by sautΓ©ing the onion in a large cast iron pot with a touch of oil (approximately 1 teaspoon). Allow the onion to cook until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
-
Prepare Seasoning Mixture: While the onion is cooking, prepare the seasoning mixture by combining water, vinegar, salt, pepper, and chopped hot pepper in a separate bowl. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
-
Add Smoked Pork: Once the onion is softened, add the smoked pork product to the pot. Allow the pork to cook alongside the onion, letting its juices begin to infuse the dish with flavor. This process should take approximately 5 minutes.
-
Incorporate Seasonings: After the pork has released some of its juices, pour the prepared seasoning mixture into the pot. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients.
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Add Collard Greens: Gradually add the collard greens to the pot, stirring after each handful to ensure they are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. Don’t be alarmed if the greens initially overflow the pot; they will gradually wilt down as they cook.
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Wilt the Greens: Continue stirring the greens until they begin to wilt and reduce in volume. Once wilted, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
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Simmer: Allow the collard greens to simmer gently for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the greens will become tender and flavorful.
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Adjust Seasoning: Periodically taste the collard greens and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper, according to your preference.
-
Serve: Once the collard greens are tender and infused with flavor, they are ready to serve. Enjoy this Southern classic as a comforting side dish or as a satisfying one-dish meal.
Recipe Notes:
- This recipe can also be used with turnip greens or mustard greens for variation.
- For a richer flavor, you can use chicken broth or a combination of broth and water instead of plain water.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer preservation.
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Southern cuisine with this timeless recipe for Southern Collard Greens. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed as a comforting one-dish meal, these tender, flavorful greens are sure to become a family favorite. With the perfect blend of seasonings and a slow cooking process, this dish captures the essence of Southern cooking tradition in every bite.
